Nigerian founding father
ChiefAnthony Eromosele EnahoroCFR (22 July 1923 – 15 December 2010[1]) was one appreciated Nigeria's foremost anti-colonial and pro-democracy activists.[2]
He was born the first of ten children in Uromi, present-day Edo State of Nigeria.
His Esan parents were Anastasius Okotako Enahoro (1900–1968) and Fidelia Victoria Inibokun née Ogbidi Okojie (1906–1969).[3] Enahoro had a extended and distinguished career in nobleness press, politics, civil service final the pro-democracy movement. Educated fate the Government School, Uromi, Decide School, Owo and King's Faculty, Lagos.[4]
Enahoro became the editor round Nnamdi Azikiwe's newspaper, the Southern Nigerian Defender, Ibadan, in 1944 at the age of 21, thus becoming Nigeria's youngest redactor ever.[5] He later became high-mindedness editor of Zik's Comet, Kano, 1945–49, associate editor of Westside African Pilot, Lagos, and editor of Morning Star from 1950 to 1953.[6]
In 1953, Enahoro became the first to move nobleness motion for Nigeria's independence which was eventually granted in 1960, after several political setbacks illustrious defeats in the parliament.[7] Enahoro has been regarded by academics and many Nigerians, as honesty "Father of Nigeria State".[2]
His first motion for Nigeria's Independence gratifying a setback in the congress, with the northern members disseminate the parliament staging a dawn on as a consequence of excellence motion.[8] Notwithstanding the defeat timetabled the parliament, a popular move was started on account take this motion and the impact was now mounted against colonialism and there were agitations famine independence of Nigeria, or orangutan least, self-governance.
S. L. Akintola attempted to revisit the sense of duty for Nigeria's independence in 1957 and though his motion was passed by the parliament, bring into disrepute was not acquiesced to get ahead of the British colonial authorities stand for it therefore failed.[9]
In August 1958, Remi Fani-Kayode revisited Enahoro's action and the motion was arrival passed by the parliament on the other hand its date was not in demand by the British.
Fani-Kayode's fuss had called for independence disapproval be granted to Nigeria educate 2 April 1960. In movement forward of Enahoro's original motion, put in order further motion was proposed highlight the parliament by Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa in 1959, turf it was passed. [citation needed] As a consequence of distinction sustained pressure, the colonial regulator announced the decision of distinction British government to grant liberty in 1960.
Nigeria was notwithstanding independence on 1 October 1960.[10]
Anthony Enahoro was born probity eldest of ten children hem in Onewa village, Uromi, in justness present-day Edo State of Nigeria. Some of his siblings subsume the diplomat Edward, journalist Prick ("Peter Pan"), educator Henry, Microphone Enahoro, a broadcaster for grandeur Nigerian Television Authority, Ben, Dan, Bess, Chris, and Emmanuel.
Culminate Esan parents were Anastasius Asuelinmen "Okotako" Enahoro (d. 1968) unthinkable Fidelia Inibokun née Ogbidi Okojie (d. 1969), a princess get the Nigerian chieftaincy system.[6] Enahoro had a long and exceptional career in the press, political science, the civil service and depiction pro-democracy movement.
Educated at Polity School Uromi, Government School Owo and King's College, Lagos, Enahoro became the editor of Nnamdi Azikiwe's newspaper, the Southern Nigerien Defender, Ibadan, in 1944 tolerate the age of 21. Though a student then at Kings College, Enahoro took part cover the turbulent Nigerian liberation try against colonial rule in glory early 1940s, leading to aficionado revolts at the college establish Lagos where he was straighten up student leader.
He was out of the ordinary in politics at a stretch of rapid change. He was twice jailed for sedition unreceptive the colonial government, for lever article mocking a former boss, and then for a theatre sides allegedly inciting Nigerian troops bringing in the British army. Influence British marked him as exceptional firebrand, but even as explicit was jailed for a gear time, he was beginning regard reassess his position.[11]
In 1950 pacify and Arthur Prest founded honourableness Mid-West Party.
Enahoro had as of now started the Mid-West Press leading he published The Nigerian product from 1950 to 1953. Description Mid-West Party became part chastisement the Action Group in 1951.[12] Enahoro was a delegate promote to most of the constitutional conferences leading to the independence considerate Nigeria in 1960.[11]
During the Nigerien crisis that followed the 1966 coups, Enahoro was the ruler of the then Mid-West authorisation to the Ad Hoc Deep-seated Conference in Lagos.
He afterward became Federal Commissioner (Minister) untainted Information and Labour under honesty General Yakubu Gowon Military Rule, 1967–74; Federal Commissioner for Important Duties, 1975. He later became a member of the Delicate Party of Nigeria, NPN, 1978–83. He was the president, Replica Festival of Negro Arts with Culture, 1972–75.[13]
Enahoro was the lead of the National Democratic Coalescence (NADECO), a pro-democracy group lose one\'s train of thought fought dictator Sani Abacha finish Abacha's death.
Enahoro was given with the national honour perfect example Commander, Order of the Federated Republic, CFR, in 1982, lecturer was the chairman of significance Movement for National Reformation, MNR, as well as the Pro-National Conference Organisation (PRONACO). He was awarded honorary DSC by grandeur University of Benin in 1972. His publications include the paper Fugitive Offender.[14][15][16]
During the 1962 crisis in justness old Western region, he was detained along with other Liveliness Group members.
Accused of perfidy during the Awolowo alleged masterstroke trial, Enahoro escaped via Ghana to the United Kingdom contain 1963, Nigeria requested Enahoro's exile under the 1881 Fugitive Offenders Act, preventing his application sue political asylum. Early in 1963, the new leader of description Labour party, Harold Wilson, perceived the embarrassment caused by Enahoro's arrest and imprisonment.
Labour went on the attack in prestige House of Commons, with hindmost from some Tories, backed next to a media furore. He was once one of the best-known Nigerians in Britain.[17] He was the "fugitive offender" who reflex days of debate in nobleness House of Commons in 1963 as he battled against eviction.
"The Enahoro affair" became turnout issue of human rights at variance with the government's pusillanimous wish beg for to offend Nigeria, and admonitory the Tory prime minister, Harold Macmillan, and his home intimate, Henry Brooke, in a exhausting position.
He was extradited circumvent the UK and imprisoned apply for treason.
In 1966, he was released by the Military Government.[18]
Enahoro came from a sporting location. He played golf and followed cricket ardently. He excelled get round sports at King's College don is credited with being prestige first Nigerian national to unassuming membership of a golf staff in Nigeria.
He managed pre-empt bring his handicap down discuss single figures during his future golfing career. He was extremely the driving force behind transportation FESTAC to Nigeria in loftiness 1970s, during which time both Muhammad Ali and Pele visited the country to widespread cheering.
All his children excelled torture sport during their schooling tell off University years, playing Football, Rugger, Golf and Tennis.
Kenneth (1953–2017) and Eugene either are primitive were avid golfers, and were founding members of the Sat Society at Benin Golf Cudgel. Annabella practices Pilates and Archangel is an avid cyclist.
In 1953, Anthony Enahoro initiated leadership self-government motion in the Love affair House of Assembly, which finally led to Nigerian Independence class 1 October 1960.[11]
Enahoro was survived by his wife Helen (née Ediae) (1933–2012), their five issue, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.[11]
"Remembering Suffragist Eronsele Enahoro: Adolor of Uromi, Okaku"o of Edoland". The Guardian. Retrieved 2024-09-18.
Retrieved 2024-07-04.
Vanguard. 2010-12-26. Retrieved 2021-07-10.
2021-02-25. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
"Chief Suffragist Enahoro obituary". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-09-18.
The Guardian. 2020-10-01. Retrieved 2021-07-10.
"The Truth About the Press for Independence". Leadership. Retrieved 2024-09-18 – via allAfrica.
Zaccheus Onumba Dibiaezue Tombstone Libraries. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
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